BATTERY

Role of battery on ship

Battery is the key element in the
provision of essential and emergency
power supplies on board ships.
Essential routine power supplies are-
Radio equipment,
Telephone exchange,
Fire detection,
General alarm circuit etc.,
 Role of battery on ship
Emergency battery supplies are-
emergency generator start-up and
emergency lighting etc.
A ship's batteries are usually rated at
a nominal voltage of 24V d.c.
 A battery system of 110V or 220V
may be used where a large number of
emergency lights are vital or where a
battery is the only source of
emergency power.
 Role of battery on ship
The two main types of rechargeable
battery cells are:
(a) Lead-Acid
(b) Alkaline
The nominal cell voltage of each type
is approximately 2V for lead acid and
1.2V for alkaline types.
 Role of Battery
12 lead acid cells or 20 alkaline cells
must be connected in series to
produce a nominal 24V.
More cells may be connected in
parallel to increase the battery
capacity, rated in Ampere-hours (Ah).
 Role of battery on ship
A ship's battery capacity is usually
rated in terms of its discharge at the
10-hour rate.
A 350Ah battery would be expected
to provide 35A for 10 hours.
 After a 10-hour discharge a lead acid
cell's voltage falls to 1.8V (1.73V being
the barest minimum).
The equivalent figure for an alkaline
cell is 1.14V.
 Zinc Carbon Battery Cell
Zn + H2SO4 + H2O ZnSO4 + H2O + H2
-plate + electrolyte + water sulfated - plate +
water + hydrogen gas.
- End of Life due to H2 blanketing around carbon
rod.
Zn C
Z C
n
H2

- +
H2SO4 + H2O
 Battery Dry Cell

Flashlight Batteries: Zinc-carbon Cell

 Primary Cells
D Cell
C Cell

AAA Cell

AA Cell
Primary Cells
 Primary Cells
Can not be recharged.
Chemical action can not be reversed.
Depolarization agent is added to
prevent the H2 blanketing around
electrode .
 Compounds rich in oxygen (i.e.
MnO2) are used.
Local Action: Does not contribute to
electrical energy.
Lead acid battery
 Parts of Lead Acid Battery
1. +VE Plate (PbO2 ) Lead Per Oxide
and -VE Plate(Pb) lead
2. Separators are porous material of
high electrical resistance
3. Electrolyte is Dilute Sulphuric Acid
(H2SO4)
4. Container is made up of ebonite,
ceramics, glass or celluloid
5. Bottom grooved support blocks raised
ribs
 Parts of Lead Acid Battery
6. Connecting bar lead alloy link for
connecting +ve pillar to –ve pillar
7. Terminal posts or pillar for cable
connection to external circuit
8. Vent plugs or filler caps polystyrene
or rubber screwed in cover
9. External connecting straps
connecting cells to form battery
Chemical action
 Chemical action
During Charge
At Cathode: PbSO4 + H2 = Pb+ H2SO4
At Anode: PbSO4 + SO4 + 2H2O =
PbO2 + 2H2SO4
During Discharge
At Cathode Pb + SO4 = PbSO4
At Anode PbO2 +H2 +H2SO4 =
PbSO4 + 2H2O
Electrical Characteristics of
the Lead-acid Cell
The three important features are
(1) Voltage
(2) Capacity
(3) Efficiency
 Voltage
The open-circuit voltage of a fully
charged cell is approximately 2.2 volts.
It depends on
(a) Length of time since it was last
charged
(b) Density
(c) Temperature
 Capacity of battery
Ampere Hour Capacity (Ah): of a
battery indicates the amount of energy
it can deliver over a standard
discharge period. e.g. 140 Ah means if
discharged at 1 ampere per hour, it
will last for 140 hours.
The capacity depends upon the
following:
(a) Rate of Discharge
(b) Temperature
(c) Density of Electrolyte
 Efficiency Of Cell
The efficiency of cell is the rate of
output to input, and is expressed in
percentage. It varies on following
factors.
1. Rate of charge and discharge
2. The temperature
3. Condition of the plates.
 Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is the ratio of the
weight of a certain amount of a given
substance compared to the weight of
the same amount of pure water.
 The specific gravity of pure water is
1.0. Any substance that floats has a
specific gravity less than 1.0. Any
substance that sinks has a specific
gravity greater than 1.0.
 The Hydrometer
To test an electrolyte, draw it into the
hydrometer using the suction bulb.
Draw enough electrolyte into the
hydrometer to make the float rise.
Do not draw in so much electrolyte that
the float rises into the suction bulb.
The float will rise to a point determined
by the specific gravity of the electrolyte.
The Hydrometer
 Indication of a fully charged lead
acid battery
(a) Voltage reaches a study maximum.
(b) Density reaches a steady maximum
(c) Gassing freely
(d) Colors of plates (+VE chocolate colour and –VE
plate blue gray)
(e) Constant current
(f) Constant voltage method-
 Topping Up
Batteries suffer water loss due to
both gassing and evaporation, with a
consequent drop in liquid level.
Regular checks are made to ensure
that liquid level is above the top of the
plates and distilled water is added as
necessary.
Exposure of the cell plates to air will
rapidly reduce the life of the battery.
Overfilling will cause the electrolyte
SAFETY
NICKEL- CADMIUM BATTERY
 NICKEL- CADMIUM BATTERY
Positive plate Ni (OH) 4
Negative Plate Cd
Electrolyte KOH
Chemical Action during Charging
At Positive plate Ni (OH)2+ 2OH =
Ni (OH)4
At Negative Plate Cd (OH)2+ 2K= Cd + 2
KOH
Chemical Action during Discharging
At positive plate Ni (OH)4 + 2K = Ni
(OH)2+ 2KOH
 Features
Advantages: High cycles and long shelf life
Fast and simple charge — even after
prolonged storage.
High number of charge/discharge cycles — if
properly maintained, the NiCd provides over
1000 charge/discharge cycles.
Good load performance — the NiCd allows
recharging at low temperatures.
Long shelf life – in any state-of-charge
Simple storage and transportation
Available in a wide range of sizes
Nickel-cadmium batteries have many advantages over
lead-acid batteries, including:
• They are more resistant to temperature extremes, so
they can be used in a broader range of environments.
• They have a higher power density, meaning they can
store more energy per unit of weight than lead-acid
batteries.
• They are less likely to self-discharge, so they can be
stored for longer periods without losing their charge.
• They are less harmful to the environment than lead-
acid batteries since they do not contain lead.
• They can be charged faster than lead-acid batteries.
• They have a longer life cycle of up to 15-20 years,
depending on their environment and use.
• They also have a high discharge rate, meaning they
can release energy faster.
Nickel-cadmium batteries also have some
disadvantages:
• They are more expensive than lead-acid batteries.
But since they have a longer lifespan than lead-acid
batteries.
• They have a higher self-discharge rate.
• They are more harmful to the environment as
they contain toxic metals.
Advantages
 Disadvantages
Relative to Pb acid include lower
power densities, greater cost,
Specific gravity remains constant at
about 1.17 and hence gives NO
INDICATION OF STATE OF CHARGE.
Environmentally unfriendly — the NiCd
contains toxic metals.
Has relatively high self-discharge —
needs recharging after storage.
 Features
Electrolyte deteriorates in service
and should be completely replaced if
SG falls to 1.145 (20C).
The only indication of a fully charged
alkaline cell is when its voltage
remains at a steady maximum value of
about 1.6-1.8V .
 Electrolyte
It is strongly alkaline
It is corrosive, so care is essential
when topping up batteries or handling
the electrolyte.
In the event of skin or eye contact,
the remedy is to wash with plenty of
clean water for at least 15 minutes in
order to dilute and remove the solution
quickly.
 Containers
The electrolyte slowly attacks glass
and various other materials.
Containers are therefore of welded
sheet steel, which is then nickel
plated, or molded in high-impact
polystyrene.
Steel casings are preferred when
batteries are subject to shock and
vibration.
Hardwood crates are used to keep
 Plates
The active materials for nickel-
cadmium cells are improved by
additions of other substances.
Positive plates carry a paste initially
made up of nickel hydroxide with a
small percentage of other hydroxides
to improve capacity and 20% graphite
for better conductivity.
 PLATES
The material is brought to the
charged state by passing a current
through it, which changes the nickel
hydroxide to hydrated nickel oxide,
NiO(0H).
Addition of 25% iron plus small
quantities of nickel and graphite
improve performance of cadmium in
the negative plates.
 Gassing - Nickel Cadmium
Types
The gases evolved during charging
are oxygen (at the positive plates) and
hydrogen (at the negative plates).
The rate of production of gas
increases in periods of overcharge.
The electrolyte readily absorbs
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
and deterioration results because of
the formation of potassium carbonate.
 cell vent caps must be kept closed.
 Battery Charging

Following two general methods are

employed:
i) The Constant-current System
ii) The Constant-voltage System
 Constant-current System
The charging current is kept constant
by varying the supply voltage to
overcome the increased back e.m.f. of
cells.
It charges on a d.c. supply varying
the rheostat connected in the circuit
controls the current.
The value of charging current should
be so chosen that there would be not
excessive gassing during the final
stages of charging and, also, the cell
 CONSTANT CURRENT
This method takes a comparatively
longer time.
Charging must be interrupted if the
temperature rises to 50O C.
 Constant-voltage System
The voltage is kept constant but it
results in very high charging current in
the beginning when the back emf. of the
cells is low and a low current when their
back emf increases on being charged.
The time of charging is almost
reduced to half & It increases the
capacity by approximately 20% but
reduces the eflciency by 10% or so.
Constant-voltage System
Standby Emergency Batteries
Standby Emergency
Batteries
Emergency power can be provided by
automatic connection of a battery at
the loss of main power.
Battery cells lose charge gradually
over a period of time.
The rate of loss is kept to a minimum
by maintaining the cells in a clean and
dry state, but it is necessary to make
up the loss of charge by a trickle
charge system.
 Standby Emergency Batteries
The trickle charge current value (50
to 100 mA per 100 ampere-hours of
battery capacity)
When batteries have been
discharged on load, switch over to the
quick charge to restore full charge.
Afterwards batteries are put back on
trickle charge.
 Standby Emergency Batteries
Under normal circumstances the
batteries are on standby with load
contacts (L) open and charging contacts
(C) closed.
The electromagnetic coil holds
contacts in position against the
pressure of the spring.
Loss of main power has the effect of
de-energising the coil and the contacts
are changed over by spring pressure.
 Standby Emergency Batteries
The batteries are disconnected from
the mains as contacts C opens, and
connected to the emergency load by
closing of L contacts.
 PRECAUTIONS

1. Exhaust fan must be on.

2. “No Smoking” and “No Naked
Lights” warnings must be posted.
3. Light fittings in the battery
compartments must be correctly
maintained.
4. No portable connection, tapping,
unauthorized connections to be made.
5. No operations, which generate
sparks, should be done.
 PRECAUTIONS
6. Battery cell vent plugs should be
screwed tight when connections are
being made or broken. Vent tubes
must be clear.
7. Electrolyte of batteries is corrosive.
Contact with skin and eyes must be
prevented.
8. Always add acid to water when
preparing an electrolyte and not water
to acid.
 Precautions
9. Never short the terminals of a
battery.
10.Carrying straps should be used
when transporting batteries.
11.Protective clothing, such as rubber
apron, rubber gloves, and a face
shield should be worn when working
with batteries.
12.Care should be taken to prevent
spilling of the electrolyte.
 CARE AND MAINTENANCE
(a) Keep battery clean and dry. This
will help prevent corrosion of
terminals.
(b) Lightly smear the terminal posts,
clamps and bus bar using petroleum
jelly. The smear minimizes corrosion.
Use 2″ paintbrush for applying jelly as
any metal object may short the
terminals.
 CARE AND MAINTENANCE
(c) Discharging should not be
prolonged after the minimum value of
voltage for particular rate of discharging
is reached.
(d) It should not be left in discharged
condition for long time.
(e) The level of electrolyte should be
10-15 mm above the top of the plates.
Evaporation of electrolyte should be
made up adding distilled water only.
 CARE AND MAINTENANCE
(f) Since acid does not vaporize none
should be added.
(g) Vent openings in the filling plug
should not be blocked to prevent any
rise in pressure.
(h) The acid and corrosion on top of
the battery should be cleaned with
cloth moistened with baking soda or
ammonia and water.
 Chemical Burns:
The electrolyte in both batteries is corrosive.
Damage to eyes, skin & clothes may be
caused if electrolyte is spilled or splashed.
The electrolyte in acid battery can be
neutralized with bicarbonate of soda.
The electrolyte in alkaline battery (KOH) can
be neutralized with boric acid.
In both cases, water can minimize damage.
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES WHEN
TOPPING UP BATTERIES
 Location of batteries
Batteries should be installed in space
where adjacent equipment is rendered
inoperative by their gases.
Starters batteries should be located close
to engines, to reduce voltage drop.
They should not be exposed to extreme
temperature, spray steam or other condition
detrimental to their performances.
Batteries for emergency services should be
located above the bulkhead deck, outside
machinery spaces and aft of the collision
bulkhead.
 Location of batteries
Emergency switchboard is not placed
in the battery space because of the
risk of arcing.
The precaution is extended to include
any non-safe electrical equipment,
battery tester, switches, fuses and
cable other than those for the battery
connections.
Alternatively, flameproof light fittings
are permitted.
The following should always be readily
available in the battery compartment
A Pair Of Rubber Gloves
A Pair Of Goggles
Apron
Eye Wash Bottle
Hydrometer
Vaseline/Grease
Distilled Water (Marked)
The following should always be readily
available in the battery compartment
Electrolyte (Marked)
Funnel
Plastic Jar
Fresh Water (Marked)
Rags
Volt Meter
Terminal Connectors
Cable (For Charging)
Small Brush (for Cleaning Terminals And Applying
Vaseline)
 BATTERY CHARGING
The following types of charges may be
given to a storage battery, depending
upon the condition of the battery:
1. Initial charge
2. Normal charge
3. Equalizing charge
4. Floating charge
5. Fast charge
AC-to-DC supply
 UPS Battery life
UPS Batteries have a limited life, usually
displaying a slow degradation of capacity until they
reach 80 percent of their initial rating, followed by a
comparatively rapid failure.
Minimum service life for a battery is around five
years or 80% capacity of its initial rating.
80% capacity is the threshold point where the
battery is considered to be the End of Life (EOL) and
after which the batteries rapidly fails.
How Charging is controlled by the UPS
UPS systems utilize a current-voltage
charging method where the UPS
reverts to float charging when the
battery is full.
However, if the float voltage is too
high, it will accelerate the corrosion of
the positive side of the battery.
How Charging is controlled by the UPS
If the float voltage is too low, the
battery will slowly discharge.
When an already fully charged
battery is subjected to float voltage for
long periods of time, it may result in
the steady degradation of the positive
which can substantially reduce battery
life.
Automated Battery Capacity Testing
An automated process utilised for
observing, verifying and retaining a
continuous record of the battery
condition and makes capacity testing
easier.
The record obtained from the
automated testing allows the Data
Centre personnel to forecast the trend
of the battery performance.
Automated Battery Capacity Testing
Some UPS manufacturers do offer their
UPS’ with sophisticated automated capacity
testing of the connected battery system.
Users that have adopted the automated
process can simply enter the actual battery
data and testing parameters and let
technology do the rest.
This method offers minimum invasion and
downtime that could potentially disrupt
service to the IT load.
UPS Battery Replacement Criteria
The recommended practice is to
replace a cell/unit or the battery if its
capacity is below 80% of the
manufacturer’s rating.
A capacity of 80% shows that the
cell/unit/battery rate of deterioration is
increasing even if there is sufficient
capacity to meet the load
requirements of the system.
UPS Battery Replacement Criteria
Physical characteristics, such as
abnormally high cell/unit temperatures
are often determinants for complete
battery or individual cell/unit
replacements.
Replacement cell/units shall have
electrical characteristics compatible
with existing cell/units.
Individual replacement cells or units